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Welch’s Transport Joins Forces with Project JOLT to Decarbonize Logistics Sector

Welch’s Transport, a leading SME logistics operator in East Anglia, is playing a pivotal role in Project JOLT (Joint Operator Logistics Trial), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping freight operators decarbonize their fleets. Welch’s Transport has been instrumental in mobilizing other SME operators to join through their relationship with the Road Haulage Associations (RHA) Net Zero Forum and participate in this pioneering collaboration led by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF).

Welch’s Transport, recognized for its commitment to sustainable logistics, is bringing to the project its extensive regional expertise and dedication to a greener industry. The company has already integrated a fully electric 19-tonne rigid HGV into its operations and is a driving force behind the trial’s effort to streamline data and insights across a diverse network of participants. This work will facilitate the transition to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) across the UK’s logistics sector.

Project JOLT aims to analyse and model data, including vehicle and charger performance, operational efficiency, and costs, to develop robust transition plans that address the needs of businesses of all sizes. With their practical experience and understanding of the unique challenges faced by regional hauliers, Welch’s Transport is helping to shape transition plans tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Professor David Cebon, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, said,

“The urgency of the climate crisis is driving adoption of electric heavy goods vehicles at a rate that few in the industry would have expected five years ago. Welch’s Transport’s involvement is crucial as it provides valuable insights into the operations of SME hauliers, enabling the creation of solutions that work for companies across the logistics spectrum.”

Welch’s Transport joins notable partners like John Lewis Partnership and Volvo Trucks UK in sharing data and insights to understand how eHGVs can improve logistics operations across the board. The project will leverage sophisticated simulations, known as digital twins, to analyse logistics data at scale, while Flexible Power Systems’ fleet management software will provide automated analytics to optimize charging schedules.

The Managing Director of Welch’s Transport emphasized,

“We are proud to bring our regional expertise to this initiative and to facilitate the inclusion of other SME operators. Working together, we are poised to drive meaningful change across the entire logistics industry, helping to make a zero-emission future a reality.”

Project JOLT is open to freight operators of all sizes. Parties interested in joining should email SRF on vl270@cam.ac.uk or call Guy Grange from FPS on 01342 360240

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Martin Burgess

Martin Burgess

Specialist Movements General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Just over 21 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Run the specialist movements and mobile crane hire division.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Over 40 years of hands-on experience within the haulage industry, the past 20 years being involved with the movement and lifting of abnormal loads throughout the UK and Europe. Your abnormal is my normal!

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect vintage industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Intriguing.

Matt Moore

Group Head of Commercial

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Transport & Logistics Industry for the past 20 years, where I started my career with Welch’s at the time. After having 10 years out of the business developing my skills and climbing the career ladder, I decided it was time for me to return and pass on my experiences gained.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Head of Commercial, so if you know what that means you are doing better than me! I am here as part of the Senior Management team, helping to build and develop the business for the future.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Apart from being extremely handsome, I specialise in building long lasting relationships with customers and staff a like, ensuring the business continues to develop and offers market leading service.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once had a beer with Mike Tindall at Twickenham, before he got his nose straightened!

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family

David Tatton

David Tatton

Group Warehouse Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked within the storage and distribution sector for over 15 years, with the majority spent in the frozen food industry. I have recently Joined the Welch Group in February this year.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Warehouse Manager, overseeing the warehousing operation ensuring a high level of performance from a dynamic team. My goal is to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standard and build on the positive forward-thinking operation.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Driven mindset, positive attitude and high standards will aid the continual growth of the business especially in the warehousing sector.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once sold a telescope to comedian Joe Pasquale.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Exciting.

Hayley Francis

Hayley Francis

Customer Services Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group??
I Have worked in the industry for just over 5 years and for all this time within the Welch Group.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I have the absolute pleasure in looking after the Welch groups customers, building the best relationships with them, I get to meet and talking to potential new customers, on boarding these and making sure we exceed their expectations in which ever service they choose to use us for. I manage an amazing team of people over our two Transport depots, whilst always being on hand to help and support both depots’ operations should they need it.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My best skills are talking, listening, training, and Mentoring, I bring to the business strong confident attitude and always willing to go above and beyond for my Welch Groups customers and the staff within the company.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I would love to be a mummy even at 43.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Amazing!

Barry Potton

Operations Manager (Bedford Depot)

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have been in the industry for 30 years, working at Welch’s for 23 Years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Operations manager for the Bedford depot, responsible for the whole site, making sure that the depot is run effectively and that my team is highly motivated.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring problem solving skills, good communication, organisational skills and good teamwork ethic to the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
They would be surprised to know that I can play the drums.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family.

Paul-Sapsford

Andy Costen

Operations Manager Cambridge Depot

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Started in 1997 ,26 years and 6 months.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Operation’s Manager looking after the day to day running off the Duxford site, keeping the wheels moving.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My years of experience and knowledge, working with my team to provide great customer service, an adaptable and confident problem solver! Active listener, using good communication and excellent resolution skills on a daily basis.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I won the 5k Jackpot on Family Fortunes.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Rewarding

Paul Sapsford

Welch Truck and Van General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Motor Trade for 38 Years , have been at Welch’s coming up to 9 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am General Manager at the Truck Centre , overseeing the day to day running , building, and maintaining relationships with customers.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Friendly, being proactive , taking on problems as if my own and dealing with them how I would want them dealt with.
Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
We get on so well , I don’t think there is anything they don’t know.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Enjoyable

Jamie Sands

Jamie Sands

Head of Solutions

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I’m still relatively new to the industry, after spending 15 years working in retail management I made the switch to a Transport Operations role with Welch Group five years ago and never looked back.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I oversee the group operations at a strategic level, aiming to optimize, automate, or remove tasks and processes from the central traffic offices. This includes spearheading technological advancements, innovation, PR & Marketing initiatives, and sustainability efforts.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring a blend of problem-solving, process optimization, and analytical thinking to the table. With a knack for identifying issues, implementing creative solutions, and making data-driven decisions to drive efficiency and improvement within transport operations. Additionally, my aptitude for technology allows me to integrate cutting-edge solutions, further enhancing our capabilities and driving continuous progress.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
One surprising fact about me that my colleagues might not know is that I’m an accomplished amateur magician, and I’ve performed at local community events and even children’s birthday parties in my spare time.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Dynamic

David Welch

David Welch

Group Operations Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I was more of a customer. I used to handle importation of South American and Australian meat products and then look after national logistics from a customer perspective. So, I was the guy who calls ‘transport’ and says “why’s my pallet not here yet”. I did that for 5 years. Getting that exposure beforehand allowed me to transition into the family business and work my way up over the past 2 years to my current role as Group Operations Manager.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m now Group Operations Manager and am focusing on working through the business to re-evaluate processes, personnel and systems, to ensure that the core operations run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My efficiency, my focus on forging good connections with people and my knowledge of how to run an office at the base level are my core skills. My nature’s also quite relaxed, I’m usually a cool head in a fast-paced environment. I can get along with people really well, which is so important when you’re consistently talking to people and dealing with people on the phone, and hopefully this approach helps keep the team relaxed and focused. 

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an accomplished rower and have raced numerous times at Henley, with varying degrees of success, for a Cambridge Club.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Satisfying

Jim Welch

Jim Welch

Group Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I started life as a trainee accountant outside the business for a local printing business, Spices, and I was the first to train as a ‘white collar’ worker before entering the family business. I joined Welch’s and started my journey in the industry in 1987 a couple of years after Chris was born. At that time, Spices where I worked were already a customer of Welch’s Transport, so I came with some exposure to the business.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I make sure the group remains on a steady course. I was Managing Director for the best part of 25 years supported by my brother Tony, and we always said it came down to knowing what you can do, finding that balance as a business. Some people poke their nose in all the time. Some people are more strategic – we float in the middle. For us, it’s about running a business which means you can get out of bed in the morning, come to work and enjoy what you do. I’ve done that for all my time at Welch’s. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I have a no nonsense, no BS approach, which has got me and the business where it is today.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect motorcycles and I actually own virtually every original bike I have ever ridden back to the late 70’s. My wife has a knack for being able to track them down and started my collection when she surprised me with one on my 50th.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Longevity. 

Chris-Welch

Chris Welch

Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the industry for 17 years, 10 of which have been with Welch’s.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m the Managing Director of Welch’s Transport which is the trading arm of our Group, owned and operated by our Family. I look after all the individual business units with the help of my senior management team, putting together a clear strategy for the business continuity and growth. Whilst ensuring that the culture looks after our teams throughout the group and follows our vision of “making this part of the world as good as it can be”.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I like to think I have the ability to set clear vision for the business, having worked in all areas of the group it ensures that I can make informed and strategic decisions when formulating short, medium and long term goals. I also like to think I demonstrate strong leadership and foster a culture of understanding and development in the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
In a previous career I held the unofficial office record for the tallest LEGO tower built during a team-building exercise.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Fulfilling

Transport
Warehousing
Specialist movements & crane hire
truck & van centres
contract logistics
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